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Government cites Supreme Court order to reject Aravalli mining push charge

Published

5 months ago

December 21, 2025

The central government has firmly rejected allegations that it altered the definition of the Aravalli hills to permit mining activities, stating that a Supreme Court order has effectively frozen the granting of new mining leases in the region unless a comprehensive and scientifically vetted management plan is finalised.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the government said the apex court has clearly directed authorities to adopt uniform criteria to protect the Aravalli range, warning that unchecked mining could pose a “serious threat to the country’s ecology.” The clarification comes amid growing concerns and protests by environmental groups over the perceived dilution of safeguards for one of India’s oldest mountain ranges.

Supreme Court-mandated committee and uniform definition

The government pointed out that in May last year, the Supreme Court constituted a high-level committee to recommend a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills, citing inconsistencies in how different states classified and regulated the region. The committee was chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and included representatives from Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat.

According to the government, the committee proposed several enhancements to existing definitions to strengthen environmental protection. These include marking the Aravalli hills clearly on Survey of India maps before any mining-related activity is even considered and ensuring precise identification of core or inviolate zones, where mining would be strictly prohibited.

Key recommendations to protect the Aravallis

The government said the committee recommended a clear, objective and scientifically robust criterion to determine local relief and hill structures, ensuring uniform application across all states and full protection of the hill landform up to its base.

Among the notable recommendations:

Hills located within 500 metres of each other should be treated as a single range and protected accordingly.
Clear demarcation of areas where mining is permanently banned.
Detailed guidelines to enable sustainable mining, where permitted, while preventing ecological damage.
Stronger mechanisms to curb illegal mining, including enhanced monitoring and enforcement.

Mining footprint remains minimal, government claims

To counter claims of widespread legal mining, the government said district-level analysis across Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat shows that officially approved mining covers only about 0.19 per cent of the total geographical area of the 37 Aravalli districts combined. Delhi, which has five districts falling under the Aravalli region, does not permit any mining activity at all, it added.

Illegal mining remains the biggest threat

The government acknowledged that the primary threat to the Aravallis continues to be illegal and unregulated mining, rather than sanctioned projects. To address this, the committee has recommended the use of advanced technology such as drones, satellite imagery and real-time surveillance, along with stricter enforcement at the district and state levels.

Additional context: Why the Aravallis matter

The Aravalli range, stretching across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi, is one of the oldest mountain systems in the world and plays a crucial role in:

Preventing desertification in northwestern India
Recharging groundwater
Acting as a natural barrier against dust storms
Supporting biodiversity and forest cover

Environmentalists have long warned that degradation of the Aravallis could worsen air pollution in Delhi-NCR, intensify water scarcity and accelerate climate-related impacts.

By invoking the Supreme Court’s directives, the government has sought to reassure stakeholders that environmental safeguards remain intact, even as debates over development, mining and conservation continue.

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Choose India, Not Overseas: PM Modi Urges Citizens to Avoid Foreign Destination Weddings

Published

1 hour ago

May 12, 2026

Veer Rana

Narendra Modi has once again appealed to Indians to prioritise domestic destinations over overseas locations for weddings and holidays, stressing the economic, cultural and emotional benefits of celebrating important occasions within the country.

The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid:

rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia
concerns over global economic uncertainty
and renewed calls for reducing unnecessary foreign exchange outflow.

Speaking at an event in:
Vadodara,
PM Modi urged citizens to rediscover India’s tourism and heritage destinations instead of spending heavily on foreign travel and destination weddings abroad.

PM Modi Questions Growing Trend of Overseas Weddings

During his address, Narendra Modi expressed concern over the increasing popularity of:

foreign vacations
luxury overseas ceremonies
and destination weddings outside India.

He said:

The Prime Minister questioned why Indian families increasingly prefer international destinations when India itself offers:

natural beauty
heritage sites
luxury venues
beaches
palaces
mountains
and spiritual destinations.

He asked:

Economic Concerns Behind the Appeal

PM Modi linked the trend of overseas weddings to:

foreign currency outflow
rising import pressure
and broader economic concerns.

Officials say large-scale destination weddings abroad often involve:

luxury hotel spending
international travel expenses
foreign event management costs
jewellery purchases
and hospitality payments made outside India.

According to the Prime Minister, encouraging domestic tourism and wedding industries could:

strengthen local economies
generate employment
boost hospitality sectors
and support Indian businesses.

‘When Weddings Happen in India, Ancestors Bless Us’

The Prime Minister also emphasised the emotional and cultural significance of conducting weddings on Indian soil.

He stated:

He suggested that Indian wedding traditions become more meaningful when celebrated close to:

family roots
heritage
and cultural customs.

Statue of Unity Suggested as Wedding Destination

Narendra Modi also promoted:
Statue of Unity
as a potential destination wedding venue.

The Prime Minister proposed developing:

wedding infrastructure
hospitality facilities
and event spaces near the monument.

Referring to:
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel,
he remarked that couples marrying there would receive symbolic blessings from the leader.

The:
Statue of Unity
has already become one of India’s major tourist attractions since its inauguration.

Why Destination Weddings Have Become Popular

In recent years, destination weddings have grown rapidly among affluent Indian families.

Popular overseas wedding destinations include:

Dubai
Thailand
Bali
Turkey
Italy
and Maldives.

Families often choose these locations for:

luxury resorts
privacy
scenic venues
and celebrity-style ceremonies.

However, industry experts say domestic destinations in India are now equally competitive.

Top Indian Destination Wedding Locations

India offers several globally recognised wedding venues, including:

Royal Heritage Destinations

Udaipur
Jaipur
Jodhpur.

Beach Wedding Destinations

Goa
Kerala.

Mountain Wedding Locations

Himachal Pradesh
Uttarakhand.

Luxury and Modern Venues

Mumbai
Delhi
Hyderabad.

PM Modi Also Speaks on West Asia Crisis

The Prime Minister’s comments also come against the backdrop of:

instability in West Asia
rising crude oil concerns
and disruptions in global supply chains.

India heavily depends on:

imported crude oil
natural gas
and international trade routes linked to the region.

PM Modi reportedly urged citizens to:

avoid unnecessary foreign travel
conserve resources
and adopt practical measures like remote work wherever possible.

A Push for Domestic Tourism and Self-Reliance

The appeal aligns with the government’s broader focus on:

“Vocal for Local”
domestic tourism promotion
economic self-reliance
and boosting Indian industries.

Tourism experts believe encouraging Indian weddings within the country could significantly benefit:

hotels
event planners
local artisans
photographers
decorators
and transport businesses.

Why Indian Weddings Matter Economically

India’s wedding industry is estimated to be worth billions annually and supports multiple sectors including:

hospitality
fashion
jewellery
travel
catering
and entertainment.

Large weddings create employment opportunities for:

local workers
small businesses
artisans
and service providers.

Public Reactions to PM Modi’s Appeal

The Prime Minister’s comments sparked mixed reactions online.

Some users supported the idea of:

strengthening domestic tourism
supporting Indian businesses
and celebrating local culture.

Others argued that:

destination choice remains a personal decision
and international weddings are often chosen for convenience or family preferences.

News

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Orders Closure of 717 TASMAC Shops Near Schools, Temples and Bus Stands

Published

3 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Veer Rana

C Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 government-run TASMAC liquor outlets located within a 500-metre radius of:

religious places
educational institutions
and bus stations across Tamil Nadu.

The directive was issued on Tuesday, with authorities instructed to complete the closures within the next two weeks.

The move is being seen as one of the strongest liquor-control decisions taken by the newly formed Tamil Nadu government.

Why the TASMAC Shops Are Being Closed

According to officials, the decision aims to:

reduce public nuisance near sensitive areas
improve safety around schools and colleges
address concerns raised by local residents and social groups
strengthen regulation of alcohol accessibility.

The affected outlets belong to:
Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation, commonly known as TASMAC.

TASMAC controls the retail sale of liquor across Tamil Nadu through state-operated shops.

Focus on Women’s Safety and Anti-Drug Measures

The liquor-shop closure order comes shortly after CM Vijay announced the creation of the:

“Singa Pen Sirappu Anti-Drug Force”

The special force has been established to:

improve women’s safety
crack down on drug networks
prevent substance abuse among youth
and strengthen action against sexual crimes.

Following the Chief Minister’s directive, the Tamil Nadu Police formally constituted the unit.

What Will the New Anti-Drug Force Do?

The newly formed force has been assigned several responsibilities, including:

1. Action Against Drug Mafia

The unit will target illegal drug networks and suppliers operating across the state.

2. Women’s Safety Monitoring

Special teams will respond quickly to complaints involving:

harassment
abuse
stalking
and crimes against women.

3. Awareness Campaigns

Officials will conduct programmes in:

schools
colleges
public spaces

to spread awareness regarding:

women’s safety
drug abuse
and public vigilance.

Women Police Personnel Given Key Role

A major highlight of the initiative is the increased deployment of women police officers.

According to officials:

women personnel will receive special operational powers
dedicated teams will handle sensitive complaints
and rapid response systems will be strengthened statewide.

Political Significance of the Move

The decision aligns with several promises made by C Joseph Vijay during the election campaign, particularly regarding:

public safety
anti-drug enforcement
youth protection
and social reform measures.

The closure of liquor shops near schools and religious places has long been demanded by:

parents’ associations
religious organisations
and anti-liquor activists in Tamil Nadu.

Possible Impact Across Tamil Nadu

The move could significantly affect:

alcohol retail accessibility in urban areas
pedestrian safety near schools and bus depots
local traffic congestion around TASMAC shops
and public order concerns.

News

Detailed Report on Tamil Nadu CM Vijay’s “Singa Pen Sirappu Force”

Published

4 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Veer Rana

C. Joseph Vijay officially began his tenure as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu with a strong focus on women’s safety, anti-drug enforcement, and welfare measures.

Immediately after taking oath on May 10, 2026, Vijay signed his first government orders, including the creation of the “Singa Pen Special Action Force” and separate anti-narcotics units across the state.